"Motorists, who are paying in excess of £40 billion a year in overall motoring taxation, will find it incredibly frustrating that they are having to deal with clogged up roads with these provisional figures showing that traffic levels hit an all-time high in 2016."

Research commissioned by the RAC shows that congestion and longer journey times are ranked fourth in a list of the biggest concerns among motorists.

Mr Lyes added: "While the Government has made progress in investing in the strategic road network, motorists will be unforgiving if the same attention isn't given to local roads.

"These record figures show there is a lot of catching up to be done if we are going to keep motorists and the economy moving."

Van traffic saw the biggest growth last year at 3.4%, with heavy goods vehicles up 2.8% and cars up 0.7%.

Rolling annual motor vehicle traffic has now increased each quarter in succession for more than three years.

The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) claimed the figures highlight the need for the Government to boost investment in public transport, walking and cycling routes, take action to ensure new homes are built near public transport connections and encourage more freight traffic off the roads and on to rail.

CBT sustainable transport campaigner Bridget Fox said: "Given what we now know about the country's lethal and illegal levels of air pollution, more than ever we must see urgent action taken to halt the growth in traffic levels on our roads."